The Canby area is returning to some semblance of normalcy in time for Easter this week, with most churches having returned to in-person worship (and a number of them adding extra services Sunday to accommodate expected increased demand) and several holiday-themed events planned throughout the community.
Canby Foursquare Church has brought back its drive-thru stations of the cross experience, which features larger-than-life reproductions of works of art depicting scenes from the biblical Easter story with accompanying scripture references.
Different versions of these panels were first installed last year during the early days of the pandemic, thanks to the generosity of local businessmen Ken and Peter Hostetler. The drive-thru experience has been up since late March and will remain open 24-7 until after Easter Sunday.
The experience also features narration that people can tune into using their car radios.
Additionally, Canby Foursquare will host an outdoor sunrise service at Trost Elementary School from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m., along with three services at the church at 9, 10 and 11 a.m.
Another popular outdoor option for sunrise service-goers will be at Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, which brought back its popular Tulip Fest this year. Sponsored by the Woodburn Ministerial Association, the event will feature free admission to the farm and will get started at 7 a.m.
Dress warmly, follow the recommended social distancing guidelines and bring your own chairs if you’d like to sit.
Downtown Aurora will be hosting some Easter fun on Saturday, April 3, with a townwide “Bunny Trail” that includes shops and businesses hanging out special treats and goodies for all ages from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A bunny in residence will be available for photo opportunities and the Aurora Fire District will have their antique engine set up in the village square. See Facebook or the map below for more information.
Finally, I know what you’re thinking: “What about the eggs??” Sadly, the traditional community Easter egg hunts have been hard to find this year and may need to wait until 2022 to come back at full strength.
The one area hunt that will be returning is not fully open to the public. The Oregon City Elks Lodge Easter Egg Hunt — a tradition at Elks Park on South Mulino Road in Canby stretching back 50 years or more (with the exception of 2020) — will be back this year, but it is for members’ families and guests only.
The event, which will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, will feature gift baskets and an egg hunt for participating kiddos, along with a free lunch. Hot dogs, chips and a drink are available for purchase for members for only $3.
Contact the Oregon City Elks Lodge 1189 for more information.